The Rochester Americans announced today the team has assigned rookie defensemen Corey Fienhage and Matt MacKenzie to the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators.

Fienhage, 21, has appeared in 17 games with Rochester this season, recording four assists and 20 penalty minutes. The Apple Valley, Minn., native has also played in 19 games with Gwinnett, registering eight points on three goals and five assists. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound blueliner was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (81st overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

MacKenzie, 20, heads to Gwinnett after collecting three assists and 11 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Amerks this season. The New Westminster, B.C., native was Buffalo’s third-round selection (83rd overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.